When to get your flu shot

New advice from The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners says when you have your flu shot is critical to its effectiveness.

Thinking about getting your flu shot? Given last year's flu season was the worst Australia had experienced in 15 years, you can't be blamed for wanting to take every preventative measure possible as the colder months inch closer.

When it comes to the flu, vaccination is the number one thing people can do to protect themselves from being struck down. But according to The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), when we get our flu shot can also impact its effectiveness in preventing the virus, and some outlets may be delivering their shots too early.

Sunshine Coast-based General Practitioner Dr Bryan Palmer says the new advice from the RACGP, which has been echoed by Australian Medical Association President Dr Michael Gannon, is sound.

"Over the last two years there does seem to be a waiver in the potency of the flu vaccine," Dr Palmer says. "Historically, we got the vaccines in March and started vaccinating immediately thinking it would cover the population, but now the suggestion is that is it does wane in its effectiveness."

The argument to wait is supported by recent research from the US which suggests the vaccine can wear off, leading to suboptimal protection during the later periods of the flu season.

To ensure you're protected well into the flu season, Dr Palmer says most people are better off timing their flu shot for around the next few weeks.

"Mid-April to early May is probably the key window this year to cover the flu's peak potency in July and August," Dr Palmer says.

That said, an early flu shot is better than none at all.

"There is always circulating flu - that never goes away - so you need to balance it up," says Dr Palmer. "If you are vaccinating a little later, there's a small risk people might be unlucky and not be vaccinated when they come across the flu, or that by delaying, they actually don't get it done because they forget about it."

In short, yes - everyone should be vaccinated yearly.

For some particularly vulnerable groups, the influenza virus can be lethal, so getting your annual flu shot is the best way to protect not just yourself, but the people you know.

"It's recommended for everyone, but there are certain groups that are at much higher risk of complications and hospitalisation from the flu," says Dr Palmer. "That's those who are over 65, pregnant women, children aged between six months and five-years-old in most states, those who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander aged over 15 years, and anyone with a chronic disease or compromised immune system. That covers a fair proportion of the population."

So if you are in one of these groups, or you come into contact with anyone in these groups, you need to get the flu shot.

"The message is very loud and clear: it's a safe, effective vaccine," says Dr Palmer.

There is a national immunisation program that offers free vaccines for the at-risk groups listed above, and any other member of the population can purchase it for a small fee through pharmacies or their GP.

AIA Vitality members can earn 1,000 AIA Vitality points for having a flu vaccination.

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.